The special three: How Jose Mourinho, Eden Hazard and John Terry can lead Chelsea to the title

Jose Mourinho and Eden Hazard could yet inspire Chelsea to their forth Premier League title (Picture: Getty Images)

Chelsea’s 4-0 victory against Tottenham left the Blues seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

However, with Manchester City having three games in hand, and Liverpool and Arsenal both also breathing down on Chelsea’s neck with a game to spare, it’s important the Blues keep picking up points.

Chelsea have really found their feet recently and the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill, Nemanja Matic have all been fantastic. But three people in particular deserve the plaudits.

Jose Mourinho

Without taking any credit away from the effort and performances of the team as a whole, Chelsea certainly have Mourinho to thank for being at the top.

The quality was there last season. The likes of Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Frank Lampard were inspirational but yet Chelsea found themselves way off the pace compared to the two Manchester clubs.

Yet this time round the Blues find themselves nine points ahead of Manchester City and a astonishing 18 points ahead of Manchester United. The Special One’s philosophy is surely to thank for the current success. Yes, Jose is criticised by some people for having his team ‘park the bus’ and going out for that ‘1-0 victory’. But nevertheless it’s getting results.

The full-backs, especially Azpilicueta don’t push up as much and the wingers track back – something Hazard has done especially well this season. January signing Matic has protected his back four very well since making his move. Chelsea may not have the fire power up top like Manchester City, but what they do have is Mourinho and his effective defensive tactics that could make the difference come the end of May.

Eden Hazard has been in fantastic form for Chelsea this season (Picture: AP)

Eden Hazard

Perhaps the most in-form Premier League player right now, Hazard has been absolutely class for Chelsea this season. His quality on and off the ball have been on another level. Mourinho may come up with the tactics but at the end of the day the players need to follow and adapt to the Special One’s demands, and Hazard has done this exceptionally.

He has been criticised in the past for his work rate and not tracking back, but those days are long behind him. Now that he’s added a defensive side to his game he has only become a better player.

Hazard needs to ensure his form doesn’t drop. The Belgian will need to add to his 13 league goals and seven assists if Chelsea want to remain where they are.

John Terry has been solid in a well-organised back four (Picture: Getty Images)

John Terry

Captain, leader, legend. Call him whatever you want but every time John Terry hasn’t featured for Chelsea this season the back four has looked shaky and vulnerable. Despite being 33 years of age some might argue that Terry is playing the best football of his career.

International retirement is one possible reason whilst some suggest the return of Mourinho has rejuvenated the defender. Nevertheless he has been at the heart of the Premier League’s best defence that have only conceded 22 goals all season.

The understanding and partnership that he has struck up with countrymen Cahill has been pivotal for the West London club. Although pace isn’t exactly something the former England international has in his locker, the Chelsea back line doesn’t play too high anyway which definitely benefits him even more. With his influence, leadership and solid defensive skills, Terry could also be the difference between Chelsea winning and losing the title.

With Mourinho’s tutelage and tactics, Hazard’s attacking qualities and goals and Terry’s leadership and defensive ability, this so called ‘little horse’ might just yet become champions.